ANTIGUA & BARBUDA STREET PASTORS INITIATIVE

ESTABLISHED IN ANTIGUA 2006

WHO ARE STREET PASTORS?

Street Pastors is an interdenominational Christian initiative aimed at reducing crime, rehabilitating those on the edge of society and fostering stronger, better-balanced communities especially in traditionally ‘tough’ and depressed areas.

It operates in partnership with the Police and Government, forming an ‘Urban Trinity’ of Church, Police, and Government working together to heal the ills at the heart of society. The Church has thousands of members who could be harnessed and challenged to bring positive changes to the community.

The government has the resources to help the vulnerable in society. The police are not only here to arrest people but they also work to prevent crime and they are involved in the Street Pastors training giving advice on protocols and safety. The Urban Trinity is about working together for the betterment of the community.

WHAT DO STREET PASTORS DO?

Teams of between three and six Street Pastors go out most Fridays from 8pm to 11pm visiting those areas where we know people will be.

Once out on the street, Street Pastors interact with whoever they meet – exchanging a friendly word or getting into a deeper conversation. The Street Pastor is there to get to know people in the community and to build relationships in order to find out their needs and what can be done to help them.

Someone may want prayer because they are trapped in prostitution or have relationship issues. Another may need help to get home safely.

A person who is addicted to alcohol or drugs may be set on the road to recovery by a referral to Crossroads rehabilitation centre.

A person who is angry and aggressive may be calmed down by a combination of gentle talking through their problems and prayer.

Following the example of Jesus, we particularly look for those on the edge of society like homeless people. We will offer them some food and a drink. We are very grateful to Subway in Redcliffe Street for providing free of charge sandwiches, water and cookies. Subway has been supporting us constantly since March 2008.

The role of a Street Pastor is not about preaching heaven and hell, but one of caring, listening and helping—working in an unconditional way.

Street Pastors have an office on the corner of Redcliffe Street and Corn Alley from where the work is coordinated. It is the base for the night work.

Our office is open from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Wednesdays. It is advisable to phone in advance to be sure someone is on duty.
The office also acts as a drop-in point for those who have been contacted on a

Friday night to come in and have their problems talked through and solutions sought.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

Alcoholism/drug addiction

Prostitution

Gambling

Domestic violence

Family matters/feuds

Problems with the law

Homelessness

Unemployment

Mental illness

Rough sleepers

Teenage / youth problems.

HISTORY

Street Pastors are now in over 300 locations in the UK with some 20,000 volunteers nationwide. Antigua was the first international branch.

VISION

There have been inquiries from various other countries around the world but in particular, our vision is to have Street Pastors throughout the Caribbean. Street Pastors now operate in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

WHO CAN BECOME A STREET PASTOR?

A Street Pastor can be any Christian who

• is over the age of 18

• has been a member of a Church for at least a year

• has a concern for society and young people

• is willing to engage with people where they are on the streets

• is willing to give their time and energy to build bridges between the Church and society

Street Pastors are not there to ‘Push’ the gospel or to ‘Bible Bash’ but are always ready to share the faith that they have while sharing God’s love in real, practical ways.

Anyone who wants to become a Street Pastor must complete a training course which takes place at the office and consists of six evening sessions.

The commitment is to go on patrol once a month on a rota basis. We are particularly keen to recruit more men, given the lack of positive male role models and mentors for young men from an early age.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE WORK?

1. Prayerfully consider becoming a Street Pastor

2. Become a prayer supporter.

3. Make a financial contribution either as a monthly sponsor or a one-off donation.